This research examines whether the selection and spatial positioning of plant species, according to their growth patterns, seasonal behavior, and climatic adaptation, can significantly improve bioclimatic performance and the Thermal Comfort Index in Mediterranean patio housing.
The working hypothesis states that strategically selected vegetation adapted to local climatic conditions and arranged according to solar orientation, vertical development, canopy density, and evapotranspiration capacity produces measurable improvements in thermal stability and indoor comfort when compared to non-optimized planting schemes.
Within the Casa Patio experimental dwelling, promoted by Todobarro in collaboration with the University of Málaga, plant species were selected based on: (1) deciduous or evergreen character for seasonal solar modulation, (2) evapotranspirative potential for passive cooling, (3) morphological growth structure for controlled shading, and (4) drought tolerance to ensure water efficiency under Mediterranean conditions. Vegetation is distributed across perimeter parterres, courtyard spaces, and interior zones to generate differentiated microclimatic effects, including dynamic solar filtering, humidity stabilization, and reduction of diurnal thermal oscillations.
The vegetation system operates synergistically with porous ceramic elements and programmable irrigation, activating evaporative cooling processes that enhance passive temperature regulation. A comprehensive sensor network and on-site meteorological station continuously monitor air and surface temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, wind variables, and soil moisture, enabling real-time correlation between vegetative performance and indoor comfort thresholds.
Preliminary findings indicate that plant selection based on ecological adaptation and spatial strategy contributes to reductions in peak indoor temperatures, improved hygrothermal stability, and measurable gains in the Thermal Comfort Index during extreme summer conditions. The results support the hypothesis that, when integrated into architectural design as an active environmental system, botanical criteria can function as a quantifiable bioclimatic control mechanism in Mediterranean residential architecture.
